Gulf stocks slip as US–Iran tensions rise

Stock markets across the Gulf region closed lower today as escalating tensions between the United States and Iran weighed heavily on investor sentiment triggering declines across key regional indices.
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Muscat: The Qatari index extended its losses for a second consecutive session, falling 0.6 percent as most of its listed companies recorded declines. Among the major drags, shares of Qatar National Bank slipped 1.4 percent, while Qatar Gas Transport Company Limited (Nakilat) dropped 2 percent, reflecting cautious trading activity amid regional uncertainty.

In Kuwait, the benchmark index declined by 0.5 percent, mirroring the broader negative sentiment in the Gulf. Bahrain’s index also edged lower, slipping 0.1 percent as investors adopted a wait-and-watch approach.

Beyond the Gulf, Egypt’s blue-chip index recorded sharper losses, falling 2.2 percent for the second straight session. Almost all constituent stocks traded in negative territory. Shares of Commercial International Bank declined 2.2 percent, while Fawry for Banking Technology and Electronic Payments saw a significant drop of 5.3 percent.

Summary

Gulf stock markets experienced a downturn as rising US-Iran tensions led to cautious trading. The Qatari index fell 0.6%, with major companies like Qatar National Bank and Nakilat seeing declines. Kuwait and Bahrain also saw their indices drop, while Egypt's blue-chip index suffered a sharper 2.2% fall, reflecting widespread regional uncertainty.

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